Concept Design for Palumbo Center Renovations

A crisp modern architecture offers a fresh complement to the bustling Forbes Ave, while a new perforated metal screen transforms the appearance along the Magee St approach to the campus.

Image Courtesy of VMDO Architects

Student-athletes enter the attached Athletic Performance Center through a new addition that improves connectivity to the main campus.

Image Courtesy of VMDO Architects

Renovation better negotiates dramatic grade-change through site. Amenities are concentrated along Forbes Ave side of arena; student-athlete facilities are along uphill, campus side of the building.

Image Courtesy of VMDO Architects

An under-used upper deck is replaced by an array of premium seating options with optimal sightlines to the event floor.

Image Courtesy of VMDO Architects

A new four-story atrium replaces an outdated and undersized lobby at the Forbes Avenue entrance. The new lobby increases connectivity within the facility and unites the patron amenities.

Image Courtesy of VMDO Architects

An open and light-filled concourse lounge serves student-athletes and the athletic administration by day and arena patrons by night (and weekend.)

Image Courtesy of VMDO Architects

Forbes Avenue Facelift

This concept design for Duquesne University’s aging basketball arena suggested a bold new presence on Pittsburgh’s Forbes Avenue. The proposed solution relied on re-cladding the most visible areas and providing selective screening applications in other areas. Inside, the proposed scheme reclaimed space from under-used upper-bowl seating areas to create premium seating boxes and new spectator amenities which would have driven new revenue streams for the university. To increase student-athlete support spaces, the study also proposed to re-claim one of the two practice gyms for more intensive use.